Cognitive dissonance refers to tension that arises when one is simultaneously aware of two inconsistent cognitions.
For example, dissonance may occur when we realize that we have, with little justification, acted contrary to our attitudes or made a decision favoring one alternative despite reasons favoring another. Cognitive dissonance theory The theory that holding inconsistent cognitions arouses psychological tension that people become motivated to reduce.It is a mental, emotional, or psychological state which results from attempting to hold two totally incompatible beliefs or opposing attitudes at the same time.
Other definition:
Cognitive dissonance refers to a drive or feeling of discomfort, originally defined as being caused by holding two or more inconsistent cognitions and subsequently defined as being caused by performing an action that is discrepent from one's customary, typically positive self-conception
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Cognitive dissonance refers to an unpleasant psychological state that occurs when someone has two (2) discrepant cognitions.
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Cognitive dissonance refers to an uncomfortable clash between self-image, thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, or perceptions and one's behavior. It is the uncomfortable tension that comes from holding two (2) conflicting thoughts at the same time; an adverse psychological state that occurs when an individual simultaneously holds two (2) conflicting cognitions.
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Cognitive dissonance refers to tension that arises when one is simultaneously aware of two (2) inconsistent cognitions. It is an aversive state of arousal that arises when two (2) or more cognitions are inconsistent with one another. Dissonance may, for example, occur when people realize that they have, with little justification, acted contrary to their attitudes or made a decision favoring one alternative despite reasons favoring another.
Other /More definition:
Cognitive dissonance refers to an aversive state of arousal that arises when two (2) or more cognitions are inconsistent with one another.
Other definition:
Cognitive dissonance refers to tension that arises when one is simultaneously aware of two (2) inconsistent cognitions. It is an aversive state of attitudes or made a decision favoring one alternative despite reasons favoring another.